Soil surface tillage point in combination of primary tillage shank system

ABSTRACT

An agricultural primary tillage implement is disclosed with a soil surface tillage point assembly attached in front of the shank. The tillage point is adjustable fore-and-aft for optimum clearance between the shank and a leading soil preparation apparatus to maximize clearance for residue movement. The tillage point in also adjustable for depth. The soil surface tillage point assembly reduces the amount of residue in line with the shank path (row) and creates smaller clod sizes of soil in line with the shank swath, resulting in a better seedbed and faster warm up in the spring, enabling the planter to run in cleaner soil, preventing planter plugging and uneven seed planting depth as well as resulting in better seed-to soil-contact.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Serial No. 60/352,304, filed on Jan. 27, 2002. It isalso related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filedsimultaneously herewith and entitled “Rip Strip Primary Tillage System”,and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, also filed simultaneouslyherewith, and entitled “Row Cleaner in Combination of Primary TillageShank System”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an agriculturalprimary tillage implement, and more particularly to such an implementfeaturing a soil surface tillage point assembly attached in front of theshank. As used herein, primary tillage means deep soil plowing, in anapproximate range of 8 to 14-inches or greater. Secondary tillage may bein an approximate range of 3 to 6-inches.

[0003] Primary tillage is, of course, not in and of itself new, havingstarted with the first plow to cut land. Improvements in tillagepractices are generally slow to reach acceptance and almost always showthemselves as small steps. Tillage implements providing both secondaryand primary tillage in a single pass using disks and chisel points arealso not generically new, as shown by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,245,706;4,403,662; and 4,538,689. These machines, however, do not create thebest possible seedbed, i.e., do not create the soil conditions that bestpromote seed germination and plant growth.

[0004] During the late 1970's, before the machine shown in U.S. Pat. No.4,403,662 became available, primary tillage was accomplished principallywith moldboard plows. The moldboard plow leaves large slabs and chunksof soil that tend to break down during the freeze and thaw cycles ofwinter, but this type of plowing requires substantial working of thesoil in the spring in order to level the field and prepare it forplanting of the next crop. Moreover, moldboard plowing is not aneffective remedy for soil erosion, and actually has a tendency toexacerbate this problem.

[0005] In recent years, farmers have recognized the long-termdetrimental effects to the land characteristic of traditional farmingtechniques, and have been searching and experimenting for ways todecrease soil and wind erosion. The use of a large disk assembly infront of a chisel plow on a parabolic shank has gone a long way towardaccomplishing these objectives and also breaks up the hard plow pan (or“sole”) that is created at the particular depth at which the plow is setto operate, caused by repeated tillage at the same depth over the years.The parabolic shank and winged point do reduce soil erosion, but thispractice also may create large chunks of soil, and usually requiressubstantial spring soil working to prepare an adequate seedbed forplanting.

[0006] During the 1970's, the cutter chisel was widely used. Itconsisted of a chisel plow with a row of coulters to cut the residueahead of two rows of staggered shanks, generally on thirty-inch centers.These shanks had a four-inch twisted point attached to perform theprimary tillage. The tip of the point was at approximately a 45° angleto the horizontal, sloping downwardly and forwardly from the shank. Theworked soil followed the curvature of the generally C-shaped shank thatwas attached to the chisel plow and was twisted in order to provide amoldboard-type turning action. A C-shaped shank, of the type described,is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,662.

[0007] For early cutter chisel plows, there was a net lateral movementof soil. A machine with, for example, eleven shanks would be equippedwith five right-hand and six left-hand twisted points. The result wasthat a wide groove and a large berm were left after a pass. The machineas shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,662 was an improvement because it left asmaller groove and not as large a berm by using fore-and-aft sets ofdisks and an improved point.

[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,689, there is disclosed a winged pointmounted on a parabolic shank. That winged point, in the combinationshown, creates a large, rough surface similar to the surface of themoldboard plow used during the late 1970's and early 1980's. The wingson these points are set at a soil lift, twist and roll angle ofapproximately 30°. This lift angle was conventional at the time, but itis an aggressive angle that causes the wings to lift the soil abruptly.In some soils, particularly more compacted soils, the combination of anaggressive lift angle on the wings of the point, together with aparabolic shank, that is designed to lift and heave soil, lifted largersoil chunks and threw them out of the paths of the chisel plow and awayfrom cooperating disks, making it difficult to create a level soilsurface after a pass of the machine.

[0009] During the 1980's, researchers and farmers began to betterunderstand the seedbed requirements for improved germination, emergenceand growth. They also began to better understand the desirability ofusing less tillage to improve soil conservation and erosion prevention.The furrows left by the chisel shanks had to be filled with the bermsthat were created between each shank. In order to fill these furrowsbehind large parabolic shanks, smaller shanks were placed to runshallower and were located midway between the larger chisel shanks. Thisresulted in smaller grooves on reduced centers. With the development ofthe disk leveler shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,178, the furrows behindthe shanks were substantially filled without leaving sizeable groovesafter the shanks had passed, thus improving the level or “smoothness” ofthe surface.

[0010] As today's farming operators are trying to combine multipletillage operations into fewer passes, while maintaining or improvingyields and reducing erosion, Crop Residue Management (CRM) has become awell-accepted practice. CRM is a year-round system beginning with theselection of crops that produce sufficient quantities of residue and mayinclude the use of cover crops after low residue-producing crops. CRMincludes all field operations that affect residue amounts, orientationand distribution throughout the seasonal period requiring protection.Tillage systems included, among others, under CRM are no-till,ridge-till, mulch-till and reduced-till. A change in tillage andplanting operations to increase crop residues on the soil surface hasbeen shown to produce crop yields generally equal to or higher thanthose produced by systems that leave little or no residue on the fieldafter planting. However, more residue means fewer trips across thefield, which translates to lower fuel bills, less soil compaction, andless wear and tear on equipment.

[0011] The objective of CRM is to accomplish the necessary primarytillage and prepare the best seedbed possible with a minimum number ofequipment passes while maintaining a minimum disturbance of the cropresidue. The present invention is an improvement that helps produce abetter seedbed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the instant invention to provide anagricultural primary tillage implement that is designed to performcomplete tillage of the soil in a single pass while leaving araised-berm seedbed with reduced residue and smaller clod sizes of soilin line with the shank swath.

[0013] It is another object of the instant invention to provide anagricultural primary tillage implement that supports the Crop ResidueManagement approach to farming.

[0014] It is a further object of the instant invention to provide anagricultural primary tillage implement employing a soil surface tillagepoint assembly in front of the shank.

[0015] It is a still further object of the instant invention to providean agricultural primary tillage implement that prepares an improvedseedbed.

[0016] It is an even still further object of the instant invention toprovide an agricultural primary tillage implement that prepares aseedbed with better seed-to-soil contact and cleaner soil for theplanter to run in, preventing planter plugging and uneven seed plantingdepth.

[0017] These and other objects are obtained by providing an agriculturalprimary tillage implement with a soil surface tillage point assemblyattached in front of the shank. That tillage point is adjustablefore-and-aft for optimum clearance between the shank and a leading soilpreparation apparatus to maximize clearance for residue movement. Thetillage point is also adjustable for depth. The soil surface tillagepoint assembly reduces the amount of residue in line with the shank path(row) and creates smaller clod sizes of soil in line with the shankswath, resulting in a better seedbed and faster warm up in the spring,enabling the planter to run in cleaner soil, preventing planter pluggingand uneven seed planting depth as well as resulting in better seed-tosoil-contact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view or a primary tillage implement ofthe type that would employ the soil surface tillage point assembly ofthe instant invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the implement of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a partial side elevational view of the implement shownin FIG. 1 with the soil surface tillage point assembly of the instantinvention; and

[0021]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] Poor root development is a common yield limitation of no-tillcaused often by compacted soil with limited or poorly distributed porespacing (to hold air and water). Proper pore size and distribution iscritical for air and water exchange, which improves potential waterinfiltration and utilization—essential for healthy plant development.

[0023] The implement of the instant invention is comprised of severalelements or apparatus, assembled in a unique combination, or system, tocreate an ideal field condition for growing plants. By shattering thecompaction layer and reorienting the soil aggregates and residue, thissystem creates a healthier soil profile than similar machines of earlierdesign. The improved soil profile allows roots to expand into a greatervolume of soil and obtain more nutrients, especially during the mostcritical times of the plant production cycle. Soil nutrient availabilityis foremost a function of good soil tilth. When the root zone has theideal balance of minerals and organic matter and pore spacing, theplants thrive.

[0024] Slow seed germination and non-uniform plant stands, caused byseedbeds that are too cold, wet or dry, or poor seed-to-soil contact,are other common yield limitations in no-till farming. The implement tobe described allows for quicker, more uniform stands that utilizesunlight, water and nutrients more effectively.

[0025] The preferred embodiment of the invention results in superiorsoil compaction relocation by shattering compaction, improved soiltilth, superior residue management and an ideal tilled strip ready forplanting seed with no additional pass. This system solves the poordevelopment yield limitations of no-till applications discussed above.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generallydesignates an exemplary embodiment of the tillage implement includingthe surface tillage point of the instant invention. Implement 10includes a main frame generally designated 11 that is adapted to beattached at its front to the rear of an agricultural tractor by means ofa conventional 3-point hitch 12. Larger main frames incorporate foldabletoolbar wings for reduced transport widths. Frame 11 is a substantialstructure intended to withstand significant operational forces and tomaintain its integrity for many years of reliable service. Two generallyparallel and coextensive elongate box beams, 14, 15 interconnected atthe ends thereof by beams 17, 18 and by additional beams therebetween.Additionally, the structural support legs of hitch 12 are affixed toeach of beams 14, 15 adding strength to the hitch and the main frame.Box beams 14, 15 serve not only as the primary structural members of themains frame, but also as toolbars. The main frame may take other shapesand may be constructed of different materials and structural elements,the important result being a sound configuration to adequately supportthe various components of the implement to be further described below.This particular design, which in practice is made primarily of 4×6 or6×6-inch box beams, allows for long life and durability, additionalresidue flow, and provides the weight necessary to penetrate thetoughest soil conditions.

[0027] Frame 11 is supported for movement across a field or along a roadby gauge wheels 20, 21 that may be of any known construction and design.Gauge wheels 20, 21 are each part of a unitized structure that includesa sturdy screw-adjustment for depth regulation, as well as pins toretain adjustment, all of which is attached to elongate frame member 14or 15 by known clamping devices that allow the wheel units to beselectively placed along the length of frame member 15 as part of anadjustment of the spacing between seedbed strips. Depth indicators mayalso be added to make fine-tuning of depth penetration more convenient.Two such wheel units are shown in the drawings; however, depending uponthe size and weight of the implement and the type of wheels used, morewheels may be appropriate. It is also possible that the particularconfiguration of elements, and the size and weight of the tractor beingused, may benefit from the addition of lift-assist wheels, not shown inthe drawings. Lift-assist wheels are known in the agricultural industryas add-on structure that minimizes hitch stress and helps the tractor's3-point hitch lift implements, as well as safer tractor steering andstopping. Such units may include a stabilizing torque-tube to minimizewobble and ensure stable transport. Lift-assist wheels may also beadjustable for level field operation and optimum transport height.

[0028] Row markers 19 are shown in both figures. These are key tosetting up or straightening existing rows. As is obvious from thedrawings, these units are movable, usually hydraulically, betweentransport positions, as seen in the figures, and operational positionswhere they pivot outwardly to contact the soil, leaving a small visiblefurrow.

[0029] Raising or lowering the front of the main frame is accomplishedby raising or lowering the 3-point hitch of the tractor. The 3-pointhitch and the gauge wheels 20, 21, adjust the depth of penetration ofthe soil-engaging elements.

[0030] Implement 10 is comprised of a series of similar working units,each unit including a series of apparatus; in the configuration shown inFIG. 1 there are six such working units. For purposes of discussionthese will be referred to as “working units” even though they are notnecessarily unitized in construction, i.e., some parts of each workingunit are attached separately to the main frame 11 rather than beingassembled separately and attached to the frame as a unit. This is not tosay that a unitized structure could not be used, but rather thepreferred embodiment is not thus constructed. These working units comein various types, numbers and spacing to best fit the needs of the user.

[0031] As best seen in FIG. 2, rail 29 is pivotable relative to the mainframe and has a shock-absorbing capability provided by springs 28.Longitudinal rail 29 is adjustably attached to frame member 15, similarto wheels 20, 21, with the various earth-working apparatus attachedthereto. The first apparatus to engage the soil is a coulter 30 thatcuts residue and loosens the soil ahead of the tillage shank generallywithout mixing the residue into the seedbed. Coulter 30 results incutting and sizing residue and smaller clod sizes in the finished field.The depth of coulter 30 is adjustable by moving adjustment rod 31upwardly or downwardly within clamp 32, and is moved to compensate forvarious settings of the tillage depth. General practice would be to usea coulter with a diameter of approximately 22-inches. The coulters maybe either wavy or flat depending upon desired results and workingconditions. A wavy coulter is best at reducing clod size and looseningsurface soil. For in-row root cutting and less surface disruption, aflat coulter would be selected.

[0032] Second in the exemplary system to which the surface tillage pointof the instant invention could be advantageously attached is a tillageshank 35 that is normally run at 8 to 14-inches deep. The shank itselfshould be either a no-till shank when uniform soil flow is required or aminimum disturbance shank for greater soil fracturing and maximum soilmovement. Shank 35 has an attached tillage point 36, preferably eitherthat shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,462 or the no-till point shown in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,538,689; 5,437,337; and 5,540,288. Either point runs in thecompaction layer, fractures the layer and relocates the soil particles.Shank 35 is adjustable up and down to fine-tune the depth of penetrationof the point 36.

[0033] Third in the exemplary system is a pair of gathering blades 38that capture and gather the loose soil and residue together to create aberm of a mixture of soil and residue. This action fills in the grooveleft by shank 35 and gives ideal seed-to-soil contact for quick plantgermination. As best seen in FIG. 1, blades 38 are comprised of twospaced-apart disc blades 39, 40 angled toward each other to move, orpush, material into a berm. The blades are adjustable for depth, angle,and distance between blades to permit the operator to select the size ofthe berm. The blades shown are dull-edge disc blades; however, smoothsharp, smooth-dull, notched-sharp and notched-dull may also be selecteddepending upon the need for aggressive soil engagement.

[0034] The final apparatus of the exemplary system is a rotary reel 42that conditions the strip of soil to give ideal seed-to-soil contact anduniform berm size, thus promoting early, fast and uniform emergence.Additionally, the rotary reel is available with round or flat bars 43,which control the amount of soil conditioning. Flat bar baskets reduceclod size and fluff, and are normally used in fall conditions. Round barbaskets do more firming, and are normally used in spring conditions. Therotary reels are also adjustable in height and down-pressure to controlthe amount of berm conditioning the soil receives.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the soil surface tillage pointassembly 50 can be seen to comprise a clamp 51 adjustably affixed torail 29 for selective placement along the open area thereof forward ofshank 35 to adjust for varying amounts of residue so the machine doesnot build up residue between the surface tillage point and the shank. Abracket 56 is rigidly attached to clamp 51 on one end and includes afemale box bracket into which support member 52 slidingly extends.Member 52 slides up and down within the box bracket and can beselectively fixed at various locations by lock pins or bolts 68 toadjust the depth of the soil surface tillage point 54. Tillage point 54is generally flat in side view and pointed in the direction of travel ofthe overall apparatus 10. Protection of the various components fromobstructions is taken into consideration by the addition of shear boltsor other breakaway devices.

[0036] The purpose of the soil surface tillage point assembly is tocreate additional loose soil and part the residue in front of thetillage shank path. The assembly reduces the amount of residue in thetilled shank path (row) and creates small clod sizes of soil in linewith the shank swath. This results in creating a better seedbed andfaster warm up of soil in the spring. Likewise, enabling the planter torun in cleaner soil, preventing planter plugging and uneven seedplanting depth as well as resulting in better seed-to-soil contact.Ultimately, this results in quicker seed germination and emergence.Another benefit of the surface tillage point is to keep the residue frombuilding up on the shank. This allows the shank to run cleaner andcreates a smoother, more uniform bed for the plant.

[0037] The tillage point assembly attaches in front of the shank and isadjustable fore-and-aft for optimum clearance in this exemplary systembetween the first soil-engaging apparatus, in this case coulter 30, andthe shank to maximize clearance for residue movement. Furthermore, thetillage point assembly is adjustable for depth by removing lock pin 68and moving the tillage point higher or lower relative to the shank point36. The tillage point 54 may acceptably vary in size from 7 to 12-incheswide, depending upon the desired width of the loose soil path.

[0038] Many conventional elements or accessories known and used undernormal circumstances have not be shown or discussed, but certainly wouldbe employed under normal operating or transport conditions. Forinstance, this machine would normally have a jack stand attached nearthe forward end thereof to support the tongue when not connected to atractor. Other items fitting this category are safety chains, SMV signs,warning lights, locking pins, disk scrapers, shear bolts, and the like.

[0039] Additionally, to be clear, there are any number of primarytillage implements known to which the soil surface tillage point may beadded to produce a unique agricultural implement with improved seedbedpreparation characteristics. The apparatus shown here is merely one suchimplement available.

[0040] It will be understood that changes in the details, materials,steps and arrangements of parts which have been described andillustrated to explain the nature of the invention will occur to and maybe made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosurewithin the principles and scope of the invention. The foregoingdescription illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention;however, concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed inother embodiments without departing from the scope of the inventions.For instance, as on of skill in this technology will readily understand,the turnbuckles shown and described may be replaced with hydrauliccylinders, operated and connected in a conventional manner, dependingupon working conditions and operator preferences. Accordingly, thefollowing claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as wellas in the specific form shown.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:
 1. A primarytillage shank system comprising: a rigid main frame having a front end,an opposing rear end and opposing first and second sides extendingtherebetween; a hitch having one end connected to said main frame and anopposite forward end adapted to be connected to a vehicle for towingsaid tillage implement across a field; a plurality of similar workingunits supported by said main frame at generally equal intervals betweensaid first and second sides, each said working unit having a workingline along which it works the soil generally in a straight line suchthat each said working unit works the soil and prepares a seedbed in astrip, and together the said plurality of working units prepare aplurality of generally parallel continuous seedbeds in the direction oftravel of said tillage system; said working units each comprising aseries of in-line ground-working apparatus including, in a linegenerally along the respective working line, a surface soil tillagepoint to loosen surface soil, part the residue and create small clodsizes in front of the trailing tillage shank path, and a tillage shankto fracture and further loosen the soil.
 2. The tillage implement ofclaim 1, wherein: said surface soil tillage point is a generally flatand horizontal arrowhead-shaped earth-working tool to allow it to cut alayer of soil; and said surface soil tillage point and said tillageshank are attached to an elongated fore-and-aft extending rail, andadjustable relative thereto such that the amount of contact with thesoil may be regulated.
 3. The tillage implement of claim 2, wherein:said surface soil tillage point is in the range of 7 to 14-inches wide;and said surface soil tillage point is additionally adjustable along thelength of said rail relative to said tillage shank.
 4. The tillageimplement of claim 3, further including, following said tillage shank asadditional ground-working apparatus: a pair of soil-gathering bladesthat capture and gather the loose soil and residue together and create aberm of a mixture of soil and residue, and a rotary reel that conditionsthe strip of soil to create a berm of uniform size.
 5. The tillageimplement of claim 4, wherein: said tillage shank has a tillage pointattached to the lower end thereof, and said tillage shank is adjustableto fine-tune the depth of penetration of said tillage point in the soil.6. The tillage implement of claim 5, wherein: said tillage point is setup to run selectively in the range of 8 to 14-inches below soil surface.7. The tillage implement of claim 6, wherein: said pair ofsoil-gathering blades are adjustable in depth, angle, and distancebetween blades to permit adjustment in the size of berm created by saidpair of soil-gathering blades.
 8. The tillage implement of claim 7,wherein: said rotary reel is adjustable in height above the surface ofthe berm and in the amount of down-pressure to control the amount ofconditioning of the soil making up the berm receives.
 9. The tillageimpingement of claim 8, wherein: said rotary reel comprises flat bars.10. The tillage implement of claim 8, wherein: said rotary reelcomprises round bars.
 11. In a primary tillage shank system having awheeled main frame adapted to be towed through a field by a towingvehicle, said main frame having a front end, an opposing rear end andopposing first and second sides extending therebetween, the improvementcomprising: a plurality of similar working units supported by said mainframe at generally equal intervals between said first and second sides,each said working unit having a working line along which it works thesoil generally in a straight line in a direction generally parallel tothe direction of travel of the system during use such that each saidworking unit works the soil and prepares a seedbed in a strip, andtogether the said plurality of working units prepare a plurality ofgenerally parallel continuous seedbeds in the direction of travel ofsaid tillage system; said working units each comprising a series ofin-line ground-working apparatus including, in a line generally alongthe respective said working line, a surface soil tillage point to createloose soil, part the residue, and create small clod sizes of soil infront of the trailing tillage shank path, and a tillage shank tofracture and further loosen the soil.
 12. The tillage implement of claim11, wherein: said surface soil tillage point is a generally flat andhorizontal arrowhead-shaped earth-working tool to allow it to cut alayer of soil; and said surface soil tillage point and said tillageshank are attached to an elongated fore-and-aft extending rail, andadjustable relative thereto in the direction of the soil such that theamount of contact with the soil may be regulated.
 13. The tillageimplement of claim 12, wherein: said surface soil tillage point is inthe range of 7 to 14-inches wide; and said surface soil tillage point isadditionally adjustable along the length of said rail relative to saidtillage shank.
 14. The tillage implement of claim 13, further including,following said tillage shank as additional ground-working apparatus: apair of soil-gathering blades that capture and gather the loose soil andresidue together and create a berm of a mixture of soil and residue, anda rotary reel that conditions the strip of soil to create a berm ofuniform size.
 15. The tillage implement of claim 14, wherein: saidtillage shank has a tillage point attached to the lower end thereof, andsaid tillage shank is adjustable up and down to fine-tune the depth ofpenetration of said tillage point in the soil.
 16. The tillage implementof claim 15, wherein: said tillage point is set up to run in the rangeof 8 to 14-inches below soil surface.
 17. The tillage implement of claim16, wherein: said pair of soil-gathering blades are adjustable in depth,angle, and distance between blades to permit adjustment in the size ofberm created by said pair of soil-gathering blades.
 18. The tillageimplement of claim 17, wherein: said rotary reel is adjustable in heightabove the surface of the berm and in the amount of down-pressure tocontrol the amount of conditioning the soil making up the berm receives.19. The tillage implement of claim 18, wherein: said rotary reelcomprises flat bars.
 20. The tillage implement of claim 18, wherein:said rotary reel comprises round bars.